The Morning Walk Ritual

From a distance our eyes met

A spark of recognition, a smile, faint

Acknowledging each other, we bow our heads

I step aside so that it is easier to pass

Good morning, I say, a smile radiates the face

Nodding slightly, looking at me as the smile broadens

We have been seeing each other now for months

We don’t speak the language, we don’t look the same

By now even my companion, Skooby, knows the game

Two ladies, wrapped well against the cold

Faces barely visible but they are gracefully old

One a few step ahead, the other few step behind with a cane

Not sure they understand me but smile still the same

We go our own way, the morning walk ritual continues

Smile is free but the heart is full, there is nothing to lose

We share the road and share the beautiful morning

Smile bridges the barrier as we continue walking

---

Photo by Heinz Klier. File photo from PEXELS